USSR-remix

Union of Azerbaijan Artists United Artists' Club Center of Contemporary Art

Coordinated by: Sabina Shikhlinskaya, Bahram Khalilov

Aga OUSSEINOV

Ali HASANOV

Bahram KHALILOV

Babek AGAYEV

CHINGIZ

Elnur BABAYEV

Fakhriyya MAMMADOVA

Farid RASULOV

Hussein HAGVERDIYEV

GASIMOV

Rauf KHALILOV

Rena EFFENDI

Sabina SHIKHLINSKAYA

Sitara IBRAHIMOVA

Tarlan GORCHU

ToraKhanim AGHABAYOVA

Yesim AGAOGLU

www.ussr-remix.com

353327232117151197

The USSR-remix project includes the works of visual art, photography, video-art and multimedia generations who have had spent. Participants are generations Azerbaijani artists who partially have lived their lives in the USSR. Each of the participants' individual artistic experience allows us to see a broader picture that we could call “Azerbaijan idea” of recognizing the Soviet past. In a sense, this particular project may be equally called nostalgic as well as futuristic. By usage of the artistic game the project allows to go through the past in our minds getting rid of the Soviet myths. In general, the USSR image is presented by tree different features which compliment one another. Those features may be described as three modules. The first module - nostalgic.It was the country, which many of us lived by the hope for future garden-city. The country, where we were young. The country, it seemed to us, which granted us equal opportunities. The country, which, by many of us today, is being pictured as idyllic. The country, which many of us remember with unprecedented nostalgia. The second – realistically-historical. It was the country of the imprisoned nations. The country, which was the evil dwelling for the others. The country, where we lived most of our lives condemned for captivity. The country, where most of our ideas were predestined to stay unrealized. The country, which one wants to forget and never come back to it.

The third module – unconsciously-destructive.It was the country, which had disappeared from the political map of the world, still being imprinted in our unconsciousness. The country, which occurred to be our aging illness. The country, which reminds of itself in us every time when we evince our infancy and weaknesses. The country, which will stay with us as an eternal relapse of our enslaved submission. Each of the artists at the exhibition keeps in mind a personalized image of USSR and represent the subjective point of view. The three mentioned above modules and their various mixtures which could represent a unique image. In any case, these would be pieces about the country we lived in and conscious or unconscious imagery of the personal experiences. Consequently, the USSR images observed at the exhibitions may bring relative associations to the viewers. On the other hand, images at the exhibition redirect the viewers' minds and emotions toward creating their own personal USSR experience. Involvement of the viewers in an artistic game is the main goal of such a conceptual exhibition. In addition to that, the usage of forms of irony in combination with the above is the best way of parting with one's historical past.

Rahman Badalov, PhD, art critic

The USSR-remix project includes the works of visual art, photography, video-art and multimedia generations who have had spent. Participants are generations Azerbaijani artists who partially have lived their lives in the USSR. Each of the participants' individual artistic experience allows us to see a broader picture that we could call “Azerbaijan idea” of recognizing the Soviet past. In a sense, this particular project may be equally called nostalgic as well as futuristic. By usage of the artistic game the project allows to go through the past in our minds getting rid of the Soviet myths. In general, the USSR image is presented by tree different features which compliment one another. Those features may be described as three modules. The first module - nostalgic.It was the country, which many of us lived by the hope for future garden-city. The country, where we were young. The country, it seemed to us, which granted us equal opportunities. The country, which, by many of us today, is being pictured as idyllic. The country, which many of us remember with unprecedented nostalgia. The second – realistically-historical. It was the country of the imprisoned nations. The country, which was the evil dwelling for the others. The country, where we lived most of our lives condemned for captivity. The country, where most of our ideas were predestined to stay unrealized. The country, which one wants to forget and never come back to it.

The third module – unconsciously-destructive.It was the country, which had disappeared from the political map of the world, still being imprinted in our unconsciousness. The country, which occurred to be our aging illness. The country, which reminds of itself in us every time when we evince our infancy and weaknesses. The country, which will stay with us as an eternal relapse of our enslaved submission. Each of the artists at the exhibition keeps in mind a personalized image of USSR and represent the subjective point of view. The three mentioned above modules and their various mixtures which could represent a unique image. In any case, these would be pieces about the country we lived in and conscious or unconscious imagery of the personal experiences. Consequently, the USSR images observed at the exhibitions may bring relative associations to the viewers. On the other hand, images at the exhibition redirect the viewers' minds and emotions toward creating their own personal USSR experience. Involvement of the viewers in an artistic game is the main goal of such a conceptual exhibition. In addition to that, the usage of forms of irony in combination with the above is the best way of parting with one's historical past.

Rahman Badalov, PhD, art critic

# 1. Grand TourAn installation of four C-Prints (a,b,c,d), 60 x 48 cm each, mounted on board. Yellow masking tape, indicating a warning sign, frames the images.a. Dream THE AEROFLOT BUILDING, an unrealized project for Moscow from 1934, is one of the most beautiful samples of architectural drafting from the pre-computer era.b. Public Swimming PoolThe PALACE of SOVIETS was an unrealized project from 1934. Dozens of historic buildings and churches were destroyed to clear the location for the palace, but in the end a gigantic swimming pool was built instead.c. Glamour HOTEL MOSCOW, a partially realized project in 1936, was the first communist era five star hoteld. SouvenirA fragment of the BERLIN WALL installed in New York City, USA on East 53 Street, next to a fancy restaurant and one block east of the Museum of Modern Art was, in the past, part of a fearful functional object.

A project in progress exploring communist era myths,

functional objects, and artifacts.

the after life of utopian projects, texts,

misused inventions

Grand Tour of Confused Nostalgia

Photo Collage, 2006-2008C-Print, Dimension variable

Self Portrait in Rainproof Jacket

Diptich, 2009

C-Print, Dimension variable

# 1. Grand TourAn installation of four C-Prints (a,b,c,d), 60 x 48 cm each, mounted on board. Yellow masking tape, indicating a warning sign, frames the images.a. Dream THE AEROFLOT BUILDING, an unrealized project for Moscow from 1934, is one of the most beautiful samples of architectural drafting from the pre-computer era.b. Public Swimming PoolThe PALACE of SOVIETS was an unrealized project from 1934. Dozens of historic buildings and churches were destroyed to clear the location for the palace, but in the end a gigantic swimming pool was built instead.c. Glamour HOTEL MOSCOW, a partially realized project in 1936, was the first communist era five star hoteld. SouvenirA fragment of the BERLIN WALL installed in New York City, USA on East 53 Street, next to a fancy restaurant and one block east of the Museum of Modern Art was, in the past, part of a fearful functional object.

A project in progress exploring communist era myths,

functional objects, and artifacts.

the after life of utopian projects, texts,

misused inventions

Grand Tour of Confused Nostalgia

Photo Collage, 2006-2008C-Print, Dimension variable

Self Portrait in Rainproof Jacket

Diptich, 2009

C-Print, Dimension variable

Following Prisoner or Takeawayperfomance

Money FacesPre-Post series, multimedia installation, c prints

2007-2010

If it is the truth that the borders of countries are the scars of war; then, the money is its face. Money is a new idol of the new religion of prosperity. Some say they do not stink! It is not totally correct. Though, it is true that striving toward making money people's actions do so a lot more that the money itself, for money is simply paper and ink. The images which are presented on the currency surfaces usually reflect philosophy and goals of each country. At this point, money's worth is more than the nominal number. It caries the The value of the money is an illusion as people on their surface and their sayings or ideas. Only doings are actual. Only intentions are real. Are we not the value of the money with our intentions and actions or the money is the value of us? Do we value the money or it is us?!

Money FacesPre-Post series, multimedia installation, c prints

2007-2010

If it is the truth that the borders of countries are the scars of war; then, the money is its face. Money is a new idol of the new religion of prosperity. Some say they do not stink! It is not totally correct. Though, it is true that striving toward making money people's actions do so a lot more that the money itself, for money is simply paper and ink. The images which are presented on the currency surfaces usually reflect philosophy and goals of each country. At this point, money's worth is more than the nominal number. It caries the The value of the money is an illusion as people on their surface and their sayings or ideas. Only doings are actual. Only intentions are real. Are we not the value of the money with our intentions and actions or the money is the value of us? Do we value the money or it is us?!

LeninInstallation

2010 B

LeninInstallation

IZ Photo project

The Nargin is the island situated near Baku – the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is a small island, long and flat, and it is strategically situated close to Baku. As you get close to the Nargin peculiar feelings takes over you. From a historical point, this island is a strange, scary and an unpredictable place, and at the same time it looks like a paradise, simple and naïve. There are many stories about this island's past. Since the times of Russian Empire this island served as a home for the Baku Garrison. Mission of the garrison was to provide security for Baku or this island used as a dacha of a general. Some claim political prisoners were kept and executed here. Some believe at night ghosts of these dead prisoners and soldiers appear. There are many underground passages like a spider web. When you visit the Nargin, you will leave with the impression of a war zone: ruined barracks, damaged fences, leftover pieces from buildings and a huge graveyard for navy ships. One thing is for sure; the island definitely has a bad image. One must imagine how many people might have passed through this hell during the time of Stalin's repression. Here, on the island of Nargin, there is a lighthouse rising above the low hill from the ruins of our colonized past. Its light helps passing by ships to maneuver towards their destiny. One might also interpret its light as a scream from the heart of this dark times; trying to reminds us dangers of imperialism in our past and now.

Nargin. Island near Baku – the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan

photography, 30x45 cm 2002

(history of triptiych) I was born in Soviet Azerbaijan. I remember those “quiet” times that I associated with a lot of red color and widespread negligence. Soviet regime made up for the longer part of my life. At some point, as I started realizing that the regime was really not as it was presented to us, I became disappointed, disgusted and scared. I was disappointed because of my family and friends and also because of the misled and indoctrinated people - all of us that had to live there. But it was my life, it was our common shared Soviet life and I could not get away from it. I could not hide, no matter how much I really wanted to. I also could not change anything. The only thing I could do was to continue thinking and trying to survive. Surviving for the sake of sharing this small part of our common past history. Soviet ideology was engraved in people’s minds in our country. People did not have faith in any other life. People even lost faith in God. Soviets would have never imagined that such mighty regime could ever crumble. But the world history has already proven the fact that empires do not last forever.Today’s life cannot be imagined without taboos and stereotypes. For instance one of the ideologies of mass culture is the symbol of “McDonald’s”. I am using the big M symbol in my work as a metaphor for the intervention of mass Western culture in our life.Referring to the dilemma of my country’s independence, I juxtapose the symbol of McDonald’s fast food chain to the Soviet regime. It is clear to me how one ideology – Western, replaced the old one – Soviet. One type of dependency became another type. Are we really independent or did we just change orientation?In order to summarize my thoughts on these three stages of history: past – Soviet, present -Azerbaijani and future – Western, I would like to pose these unavoidable polemic questions: Will I ever leave Soviet epoch?Do I live in present Azerbaijan or the past Soviet Union?Do I love the imposed Western culture?

2009print on fabric, 50x100 cm

Histor y

IZ Photo project

The Nargin is the island situated near Baku – the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is a small island, long and flat, and it is strategically situated close to Baku. As you get close to the Nargin peculiar feelings takes over you. From a historical point, this island is a strange, scary and an unpredictable place, and at the same time it looks like a paradise, simple and naïve. There are many stories about this island's past. Since the times of Russian Empire this island served as a home for the Baku Garrison. Mission of the garrison was to provide security for Baku or this island used as a dacha of a general. Some claim political prisoners were kept and executed here. Some believe at night ghosts of these dead prisoners and soldiers appear. There are many underground passages like a spider web. When you visit the Nargin, you will leave with the impression of a war zone: ruined barracks, damaged fences, leftover pieces from buildings and a huge graveyard for navy ships. One thing is for sure; the island definitely has a bad image. One must imagine how many people might have passed through this hell during the time of Stalin's repression. Here, on the island of Nargin, there is a lighthouse rising above the low hill from the ruins of our colonized past. Its light helps passing by ships to maneuver towards their destiny. One might also interpret its light as a scream from the heart of this dark times; trying to reminds us dangers of imperialism in our past and now.

Nargin. Island near Baku – the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan

photography, 30x45 cm 2002

(history of triptiych) I was born in Soviet Azerbaijan. I remember those “quiet” times that I associated with a lot of red color and widespread negligence. Soviet regime made up for the longer part of my life. At some point, as I started realizing that the regime was really not as it was presented to us, I became disappointed, disgusted and scared. I was disappointed because of my family and friends and also because of the misled and indoctrinated people - all of us that had to live there. But it was my life, it was our common shared Soviet life and I could not get away from it. I could not hide, no matter how much I really wanted to. I also could not change anything. The only thing I could do was to continue thinking and trying to survive. Surviving for the sake of sharing this small part of our common past history. Soviet ideology was engraved in people’s minds in our country. People did not have faith in any other life. People even lost faith in God. Soviets would have never imagined that such mighty regime could ever crumble. But the world history has already proven the fact that empires do not last forever.Today’s life cannot be imagined without taboos and stereotypes. For instance one of the ideologies of mass culture is the symbol of “McDonald’s”. I am using the big M symbol in my work as a metaphor for the intervention of mass Western culture in our life.Referring to the dilemma of my country’s independence, I juxtapose the symbol of McDonald’s fast food chain to the Soviet regime. It is clear to me how one ideology – Western, replaced the old one – Soviet. One type of dependency became another type. Are we really independent or did we just change orientation?In order to summarize my thoughts on these three stages of history: past – Soviet, present -Azerbaijani and future – Western, I would like to pose these unavoidable polemic questions: Will I ever leave Soviet epoch?Do I live in present Azerbaijan or the past Soviet Union?Do I love the imposed Western culture?

2009print on fabric, 50x100 cm

Histor y

Windows cut through earth, cut into air... Photographs of Azeri refugee camps. Sabirabad. 1995-1996

Chadir (The Tent) photoinstallation, 2009

Windows cut through earth, cut into air... Photographs of Azeri refugee camps. Sabirabad. 1995-1996

Chadir (The Tent) photoinstallation, 2009

Artefactsinstallation, digital prints, objects

Knoking down (BakuSoviet)

In my opinion, the idea of Soviet Union has been imposed to people. It was colonization under red union. But no artificially imposed "element" can live a long life. After acquisition of freedom, post Soviet state developed an urge to erase Soviet Union off the memories. And you eyewitness the process.

The Beltoil on canvas, 160x140 cm

video, 5'

Knoking down (BakuSoviet)

In my opinion, the idea of Soviet Union has been imposed to people. It was colonization under red union. But no artificially imposed "element" can live a long life. After acquisition of freedom, post Soviet state developed an urge to erase Soviet Union off the memories. And you eyewitness the process.

The Beltoil on canvas, 160x140 cm

video, 5'

«It's time to gather stones…»

Over its history the mankind hesitates between the Believe in God and the Denial of Him.

Establishment of the Communist regime in Russia and its outskirts led to formation of totalitarian state and

became one of the most large-scale and monstrous in its manifestationforms of the Denial of God.

Time of militant atheism is over, and the temples – the God Houses – are erecting from ruins and

glimmering with its purity. It's time to gather stones…

Ave Maria

video 3’, digital print

«It's time to gather stones…»

Over its history the mankind hesitates between the Believe in God and the Denial of Him.

Establishment of the Communist regime in Russia and its outskirts led to formation of totalitarian state and

became one of the most large-scale and monstrous in its manifestationforms of the Denial of God.

Time of militant atheism is over, and the temples – the God Houses – are erecting from ruins and

glimmering with its purity. It's time to gather stones…

Ave Maria

video 3’, digital print

OV Very Very Red

Installation

OV Very Very Red

Installation

LOV THE CHAIRS

Video 3'2010

In the movie “Chairs” the leaders and the politicians have been presented in the image of chairs. The chair is the integrated attribute of any government. Actually, this is something like, the subject symbolizing the authority itself. In the middle ages, this inanimate subject was the throne. Nowadays, this attribute is changing day after day, but it is not changing its assignment – its nature. Think over it well!

LOV THE CHAIRS

Video 3'2010

In the movie “Chairs” the leaders and the politicians have been presented in the image of chairs. The chair is the integrated attribute of any government. Actually, this is something like, the subject symbolizing the authority itself. In the middle ages, this inanimate subject was the throne. Nowadays, this attribute is changing day after day, but it is not changing its assignment – its nature. Think over it well!

Flee market loader on artists' alley.

Baku, Azerbaijan

50x50 cm, gelatin silver print

Metal scrap and remnants of old Soviet ships.

Robot in front of a machinery plant.

Sumgayit, Azerbaijan

gelatin silver print

50x50 cm,

Monument to Kolkhoz worker.

Astara, Azerbaijan

50X50 cm, gelatin silver print

Ship cemetery at Bibi Heybat, Azerbaijan

Oil and gas pipelines are the modern-day arteries of our world, transporting precious hydrocarbons, the blood of our civilization. Even in the current economic crisis, as the world’s economy still expands, demand for energy grows, and the needy fingers of oil companies reach further and deeper into the earth. Snaking 1,700 kilometers through five conflict zones, in the shadow of the Caucasus mountains, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline maneuvers through a delicate web of social, environmental and political concerns. Carrying one million barrels of oil daily to the West, while combating Russian energy influence, this pipeline project is a part of “the New Great Game”, a game that affects the lives of millions of citizens in the adjoining countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. From slum dwellers who lost homes to an oil-bloated real-estate boom to victims of unresolved conflicts and female sex workers attracted by the petro-bonanza, the impoverished people I met in this six-year photographic journey bear the brunt of efforts to allay the West’s appetite for oil. The purpose of this book is to portray the human cost of a multi-billion dollar project - the price paid by those who lost their farms and livelihoods while their faces have been hidden by glossy publications which praise the pipeline project: “It’s for the country’s greater good!” No doubt states’ budgets have increased, but at what cost to the people who live their silent lives along this pipeline?

Pipe dreams. Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey projection, 14’, 2010

Flee market loader on artists' alley.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Metal scrap and remnants of old Soviet ships.

Robot in front of a machinery plant.

Sumgayit, Azerbaijan

gelatin silver print

50x50 cm,

Monument to Kolkhoz worker.

Astara, Azerbaijan

50X50 cm, gelatin silver print

Ship cemetery at Bibi Heybat, Azerbaijan

Oil and gas pipelines are the modern-day arteries of our world, transporting precious hydrocarbons, the blood of our civilization. Even in the current economic crisis, as the world’s economy still expands, demand for energy grows, and the needy fingers of oil companies reach further and deeper into the earth. Snaking 1,700 kilometers through five conflict zones, in the shadow of the Caucasus mountains, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline maneuvers through a delicate web of social, environmental and political concerns. Carrying one million barrels of oil daily to the West, while combating Russian energy influence, this pipeline project is a part of “the New Great Game”, a game that affects the lives of millions of citizens in the adjoining countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. From slum dwellers who lost homes to an oil-bloated real-estate boom to victims of unresolved conflicts and female sex workers attracted by the petro-bonanza, the impoverished people I met in this six-year photographic journey bear the brunt of efforts to allay the West’s appetite for oil. The purpose of this book is to portray the human cost of a multi-billion dollar project - the price paid by those who lost their farms and livelihoods while their faces have been hidden by glossy publications which praise the pipeline project: “It’s for the country’s greater good!” No doubt states’ budgets have increased, but at what cost to the people who live their silent lives along this pipeline?

Pipe dreams. Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey projection, 14’, 2010

“Ship Bolshevik Nariman Narimanov”

video, 7”, two channels

2006Sa

AVideo project “Ship Bolshevik Narimam Narimanov” - filming

an abandoned Soviet shipwreck and combining the visual image with interviews of artists on the subject of post-Soviet change and stagnation

“Ship Bolshevik Nariman Narimanov”

video, 7”, two channels

Video project “Ship Bolshevik Narimam Narimanov” - filming an abandoned Soviet shipwreck and combining the visual image with

interviews of artists on the subject of post-Soviet change and stagnation

Stalin & Monroe.Tbilisiphoto print 2004

Lenin. Dagestan photo print

Stalin & Monroe.Tbilisiphoto print 2004

Lenin. Dagestan photo print

A farewell to the USSR

Multimedia installation.

Audobannervinil (digital print),

medals and badges from the USSR, 290 х 200 cm

orders,

The artwork basically presents a real photo image of the space. This image has its additional layer of true orders, medals and badges from the USSR. The project's soundtrack presents national anthem of the USSR, recorded in tempo of multiple slow down and with addition of special sounds helping to hear this soundtrack as "a voice of space". Barrier placed in front of the artwork doesn't allow viewers to come close, keeps them distanced, while they can see any detail using a true soviet field-glass. The artwork is symbolizing world, which we recently lived in, and loved in, and died in; world that seemed eternal, and soviet people seemed doomed for being its obedient marionettes; world that went crushed suddenly, and its monolith structure turned to be a myth; world that remains just in memoirs and historical issues only;world that one cannot get closer without special optical equipment - in both mental and literal meaning. And all of them – anthem, orders, medals – that recently inspired an awe, then suddenly lost their sacral content, and today the best luck for them is being in the interest focus of either collection lovers or keepers of their own family relics.

A farewell to the USSR

Multimedia installation.

Audobannervinil (digital print),

medals and badges from the USSR, 290 х 200 cm

orders,

The artwork basically presents a real photo image of the space. This image has its additional layer of true orders, medals and badges from the USSR. The project's soundtrack presents national anthem of the USSR, recorded in tempo of multiple slow down and with addition of special sounds helping to hear this soundtrack as "a voice of space". Barrier placed in front of the artwork doesn't allow viewers to come close, keeps them distanced, while they can see any detail using a true soviet field-glass. The artwork is symbolizing world, which we recently lived in, and loved in, and died in; world that seemed eternal, and soviet people seemed doomed for being its obedient marionettes; world that went crushed suddenly, and its monolith structure turned to be a myth; world that remains just in memoirs and historical issues only;world that one cannot get closer without special optical equipment - in both mental and literal meaning. And all of them – anthem, orders, medals – that recently inspired an awe, then suddenly lost their sacral content, and today the best luck for them is being in the interest focus of either collection lovers or keepers of their own family relics.

Childhood

2009oil on canvas, 150x120

Constructor 3oil on canvas, 120x1502010

Childhood

2009oil on canvas, 150x120

Constructor 3oil on canvas, 120x1502010

LUAlenushka

installation, chocolate, bird-cage

To me, artists, especially poets, are more sensitive people than others in any society. The freedom of speech is very important for the human beings. If poets remain silent and are afraid to express their opinions, it means danger for the society. This work aims to show such dangerous situation by the symbolic means. The sculptures that are being restored belong to real poets. I took the picture of them in order to describe such dangerous situation for any society in the world.

Poets in silentPhotography series, digital print, 2010

Alenushkainstallation, chocolate, bird-cage

To me, artists, especially poets, are more sensitive people than others in any society. The freedom of speech is very important for the human beings. If poets remain silent and are afraid to express their opinions, it means danger for the society. This work aims to show such dangerous situation by the symbolic means. The sculptures that are being restored belong to real poets. I took the picture of them in order to describe such dangerous situation for any society in the world.

Poets in silentPhotography series, digital print, 2010

Aga Ousseinovwww.agaousseinov.com

1962 Born in Baku, Azerbaijan1992 present lives and works in New York City, USA

EDUCATION1980 ВFA, Azim-Zade Art School, Baku, Azerbaijan 1986 MFA, V.I.Surikov Art Institute, Moscow, Russia Since 1982 Aga Ousseinov has exhibited extensively in Azerbaijan, Russia, Europe, USA and Japan.

RECENT EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)2010 -Brucennial 2010, Miseducation, New York, USA -Work on Paper, International Art Salon 2010, Krimsky Val, Moscow, Russia -Observers of the Flight, Museum of Modern Art, Baku, Azerbaijan -Gallery Selections, Ober Gallery, Kent CT USA 2009 -"Alternative Methods of Flying", Installation at Hermes Madison Ave & E 62 Street, New York USA -4th International Biennial of Contemporary Art Baku, Azerbaijan -"The Map as Art", curated by K.Harmon and C.Henry Christopher Henry Gallery, New York USA -"Kuf/Mold 2009", curated by KOOH Oud Charlois, Rotterdam, Netherlands (catalogue) -"Fall Group Show", Christopher Henry Gallery New York USA - "Smithumenta", R.Smith Studio, Brooklyn NY curated by Bruce High Quality Foundation -"Lo Sguardo Obliquo", Spazio Tadini, Milan, Italy(catalogue) -"Self Portrait in Bathyscaphe and Other Loosely Connected Stories" /solo/ Christopher Henry Gallery, New York USA -"Grand Tour II", Gallery MC, New York USA -"Grafika" Rajko Mamuzic Gallery, Novi Sad, Serbia,(catalogue) 2008 -"Religion Based Initiative", Gallery MC, New York -"Alternative Flying Method", /solo/ Gallery MC, New York -"Steps of Time" Residenzschloss, Drezden, Germany (catalogue) -"USSR-REMIX", Center for Contemporary Arts, Baku, Azerbaijan (catalogue) 2007-"Scope" New York, Christopher Henry Gallery -"Off the Wall" Gallery MC, New York -"Wu Tang/googolplex", Gavin Brown@passerby, New York, curated by Darren Bader

Ali Hasanovwww.myspace.com, www.universes-in-universe.org

Ali Hasanov was born in 1976 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He graduated from the Azerbaijani State University of Culture and the Arts and receivedan MFA in Filmmaking from Rustam Ibragimbekov's Baku International Film School. He is the pioneer performance artist in Azerbaijan and represented Azerbaijan at the 52 Venice Biennale.He is also the founder and leader of a musical collective called "PG Large Used Project." Ali Hasanov remains active in various genres such as visual and performance art, video and sound installations.Ali currently lives and works in Baku.

EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS (SELECTED)2009 - Video Installations "Think of the Radio", "Appointment" at DEPO, Istanbul, Turkey. - Personal Exhibition "Cathedral Spy" at Protvor Gallery, StPetersburg, Russia. - Mars Gallery (Marsovo pole project), performance-installation "Sentencia", Moscow, Russia2007 - International Art-forum «Art Caucasus». Tbilisi, Georgia; «Air Mail» - video. - Venice Biennale «OMNIA МЕА», Italy.2006 - Art residence (Rogaland Art Centre, Art Centre Tou Scene). «Keelcoushe» performance - installation, Stavanger, Norway - «Art Caucasus» - National centre or contemporary art, Moscow, Russia. - International art festival "East-o-West" «Keelcoushe» performance-installation, Die, France2005 - «Memory Unit» - performance - installation. Museum Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan - «Blood with Milk» performance. French Cultural Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan 2002 - Music art festival «Gender + Theatre» «PG large used project». Musical project «Fridarumental 8000-th probe», Baku, Azerbaijan 1999 - Art Manege «Sex 2000», Moscow, Russia - Performance action «Air paws». Baku Art Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan 1998 - Performance/social intervention "The brain of galapagos turtle", Baku, Azerbaijan.

Bahram KhalilovBorn in 1970 in Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1999-2001 Azerbaijan State Academy of Fire Arts(Magistrate IMFA) I Baku, Azerbaijan1995-1997 Pratt Institute (BFA) I Brooklyn, New York1993-1995 Rockland Community College (M) / Rockland NY1989-1992 Azerbaijan State University of Arts / Baku,1985-1989 State College of Fine Arts n/a A. Azirn-zade (Teaching Draftsmanship and Drawing) / Baku, AzerbaijanSince 1998 Member of the Artists' UnionSince 2003 Official Representative of the International ArtistsAssociation IIAA, AzerbaijanSince 2006 Chairman of the United Artists Club (BRK)Since 2007 Creative Director of the Center of Contemporary Art (MiM)

PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS2010 - Istanbul 2010 Cultural Capital of Europe, "Openly" International Exh, Antrepo, Istanbul, Turkey2009 - International Forum of Contemporary Art - "Maiden Tower", Exh. "To be a Woman" Center for Contemporary Art, Baku Azerbaijan 2008 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku,Azerbaijan - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art 2007 - Venice Biennale, Pavilion f Azerbaijan Republic,Land Art "Fire" Project, Venice, Italy

- "ЦДХ- 2007" Moscow International ART SALON, Union of Azerbaijan Artists', 2000 - Land Art "Fire" Project's Catalog Presentation Baku, Azerbaijan 1999 - "Land Art II" Calendar Presentation & LABYRINTH group Exhibition

- Bakuvian Society Humai Achievement Award. Baku, Azerbaijan EXHIBITIONS:2007 - exhibition at the Center Of Contemporary Art, Baku, 2006 - "ЦДХ- 2006" Moscow International Art Salon, Union of Azerbaijan Artists' Group - Group Exhibition at The Academy of the Arts in Iran - Labyrinth Group exhibition "Oil", Giz Galasi Gallery \ Baku, Azerbaijan - Labyrinth Group exhibition dedicated to children suffered from Katrina Hurricane, Giz Galasi Gallery \ Baku, Azerbaijan2005 - "ЦДХ- 2005" Moscow International Art Salon

CHINGIZwww.chingiz.artsetc.org

Born in Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1983-1984 Azerbaijan State Universityof Arts, Baku 1986-1991 Azerbaijan State University of Arts, Baku 1979-1983 M. F. A. Azerbaijan State Art College, Baku 1975-1979 Teacher of Fine Arts. Art School, Azerbaijan, Baku

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2010 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku,Azerbaijan2008 - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art2007 - 52nd Venice Biennale, Pavilion f Azerbaijan Republic, Venice, Italy2007 - "ЦДХ- 2007" Moscow International ART SALON, Union of Azerbaijan Artists',2006 - co/Curator of Azerbaijan representation Exhibition, Transfusion", Basel, Liestal, Switzerland 2005 -2006 "Ecotopia", Berlin, Germany2005 - "The Tile Project", Destination: The world, Public Art, USA-Azerbaijan2002-2003 Photo-Video Centre, Tessaloniki, Greese1998 - Pitshanger Manor & Gallery, UK1995 - Donauraum Gallery /Solo/, Vienna, Austria1992 - Manezh Central Exhibition Hall, St. Petersburg, Russia1990 - L'orangerait, Gallery, Saint Paul de Vence, France1988 - Arts & Culture Center, Saigon, Vietnam1986 - Sattar Bahlulzadeh Gallery, Baku, Azerbaijan

Works represented in collections in Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, USA, UK, Austria,Italy, Estonia, France, Poland, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Dominican Republic.

Aga Ousseinovwww.agaousseinov.com

1962 Born in Baku, Azerbaijan1992 present lives and works in New York City, USA

EDUCATION1980 ВFA, Azim-Zade Art School, Baku, Azerbaijan 1986 MFA, V.I.Surikov Art Institute, Moscow, Russia Since 1982 Aga Ousseinov has exhibited extensively in Azerbaijan, Russia, Europe, USA and Japan.

RECENT EXHIBITIONS (SELECTED)2010 -Brucennial 2010, Miseducation, New York, USA -Work on Paper, International Art Salon 2010, Krimsky Val, Moscow, Russia -Observers of the Flight, Museum of Modern Art, Baku, Azerbaijan -Gallery Selections, Ober Gallery, Kent CT USA 2009 -"Alternative Methods of Flying", Installation at Hermes Madison Ave & E 62 Street, New York USA -4th International Biennial of Contemporary Art Baku, Azerbaijan -"The Map as Art", curated by K.Harmon and C.Henry Christopher Henry Gallery, New York USA -"Kuf/Mold 2009", curated by KOOH Oud Charlois, Rotterdam, Netherlands (catalogue) -"Fall Group Show", Christopher Henry Gallery New York USA - "Smithumenta", R.Smith Studio, Brooklyn NY curated by Bruce High Quality Foundation -"Lo Sguardo Obliquo", Spazio Tadini, Milan, Italy(catalogue) -"Self Portrait in Bathyscaphe and Other Loosely Connected Stories" /solo/ Christopher Henry Gallery, New York USA -"Grand Tour II", Gallery MC, New York USA -"Grafika" Rajko Mamuzic Gallery, Novi Sad, Serbia,(catalogue) 2008 -"Religion Based Initiative", Gallery MC, New York -"Alternative Flying Method", /solo/ Gallery MC, New York -"Steps of Time" Residenzschloss, Drezden, Germany (catalogue) -"USSR-REMIX", Center for Contemporary Arts, Baku, Azerbaijan (catalogue) 2007-"Scope" New York, Christopher Henry Gallery -"Off the Wall" Gallery MC, New York -"Wu Tang/googolplex", Gavin Brown@passerby, New York, curated by Darren Bader

Ali Hasanovwww.myspace.com, www.universes-in-universe.org

Ali Hasanov was born in 1976 in Baku, Azerbaijan. He graduated from the Azerbaijani State University of Culture and the Arts and receivedan MFA in Filmmaking from Rustam Ibragimbekov's Baku International Film School. He is the pioneer performance artist in Azerbaijan and represented Azerbaijan at the 52 Venice Biennale.He is also the founder and leader of a musical collective called "PG Large Used Project." Ali Hasanov remains active in various genres such as visual and performance art, video and sound installations.Ali currently lives and works in Baku.

EXHIBITIONS AND PROJECTS (SELECTED)2009 - Video Installations "Think of the Radio", "Appointment" at DEPO, Istanbul, Turkey. - Personal Exhibition "Cathedral Spy" at Protvor Gallery, StPetersburg, Russia. - Mars Gallery (Marsovo pole project), performance-installation "Sentencia", Moscow, Russia2007 - International Art-forum «Art Caucasus». Tbilisi, Georgia; «Air Mail» - video. - Venice Biennale «OMNIA МЕА», Italy.2006 - Art residence (Rogaland Art Centre, Art Centre Tou Scene). «Keelcoushe» performance - installation, Stavanger, Norway - «Art Caucasus» - National centre or contemporary art, Moscow, Russia. - International art festival "East-o-West" «Keelcoushe» performance-installation, Die, France2005 - «Memory Unit» - performance - installation. Museum Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan - «Blood with Milk» performance. French Cultural Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan 2002 - Music art festival «Gender + Theatre» «PG large used project». Musical project «Fridarumental 8000-th probe», Baku, Azerbaijan 1999 - Art Manege «Sex 2000», Moscow, Russia - Performance action «Air paws». Baku Art Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan 1998 - Performance/social intervention "The brain of galapagos turtle", Baku, Azerbaijan.

Bahram KhalilovBorn in 1970 in Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1999-2001 Azerbaijan State Academy of Fire Arts(Magistrate IMFA) I Baku, Azerbaijan1995-1997 Pratt Institute (BFA) I Brooklyn, New York1993-1995 Rockland Community College (M) / Rockland NY1989-1992 Azerbaijan State University of Arts / Baku,1985-1989 State College of Fine Arts n/a A. Azirn-zade (Teaching Draftsmanship and Drawing) / Baku, AzerbaijanSince 1998 Member of the Artists' UnionSince 2003 Official Representative of the International ArtistsAssociation IIAA, AzerbaijanSince 2006 Chairman of the United Artists Club (BRK)Since 2007 Creative Director of the Center of Contemporary Art (MiM)

PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS2010 - Istanbul 2010 Cultural Capital of Europe, "Openly" International Exh, Antrepo, Istanbul, Turkey2009 - International Forum of Contemporary Art - "Maiden Tower", Exh. "To be a Woman" Center for Contemporary Art, Baku Azerbaijan 2008 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku,Azerbaijan - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art 2007 - Venice Biennale, Pavilion f Azerbaijan Republic,Land Art "Fire" Project, Venice, Italy

- "ЦДХ- 2007" Moscow International ART SALON, Union of Azerbaijan Artists', 2000 - Land Art "Fire" Project's Catalog Presentation Baku, Azerbaijan 1999 - "Land Art II" Calendar Presentation & LABYRINTH group Exhibition

- Bakuvian Society Humai Achievement Award. Baku, Azerbaijan EXHIBITIONS:2007 - exhibition at the Center Of Contemporary Art, Baku, 2006 - "ЦДХ- 2006" Moscow International Art Salon, Union of Azerbaijan Artists' Group - Group Exhibition at The Academy of the Arts in Iran - Labyrinth Group exhibition "Oil", Giz Galasi Gallery \ Baku, Azerbaijan - Labyrinth Group exhibition dedicated to children suffered from Katrina Hurricane, Giz Galasi Gallery \ Baku, Azerbaijan2005 - "ЦДХ- 2005" Moscow International Art Salon

CHINGIZwww.chingiz.artsetc.org

Born in Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1983-1984 Azerbaijan State Universityof Arts, Baku 1986-1991 Azerbaijan State University of Arts, Baku 1979-1983 M. F. A. Azerbaijan State Art College, Baku 1975-1979 Teacher of Fine Arts. Art School, Azerbaijan, Baku

2010 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku,Azerbaijan2008 - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art2007 - 52nd Venice Biennale, Pavilion f Azerbaijan Republic, Venice, Italy2007 - "ЦДХ- 2007" Moscow International ART SALON, Union of Azerbaijan Artists',2006 - co/Curator of Azerbaijan representation Exhibition, Transfusion", Basel, Liestal, Switzerland 2005 -2006 "Ecotopia", Berlin, Germany2005 - "The Tile Project", Destination: The world, Public Art, USA-Azerbaijan2002-2003 Photo-Video Centre, Tessaloniki, Greese1998 - Pitshanger Manor & Gallery, UK1995 - Donauraum Gallery /Solo/, Vienna, Austria1992 - Manezh Central Exhibition Hall, St. Petersburg, Russia1990 - L'orangerait, Gallery, Saint Paul de Vence, France1988 - Arts & Culture Center, Saigon, Vietnam1986 - Sattar Bahlulzadeh Gallery, Baku, Azerbaijan

Works represented in collections in Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, USA, UK, Austria,Italy, Estonia, France, Poland, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Dominican Republic.

Elnur Babayev

free-lance artist and photographer, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1962 and obtained his degree at the Azim-zadeh Fine Arts School there in 1981. He earned professional membership in the Union of Azerbaijani artists in 1988, which he holds today. Babayev worked as a photographer for intemational magazines. He has participated in and won a number of international and local photo competitions, including First Prize at the 1995 International UNICEF Photo competition, as well as World Press Photo and Mother Jones annual photo competitions. His paintings, graphic works and photographs have been exhibited at numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in the US and internationally. Some of Babayev's works have been included in public and private collections such as the Niederosterreich Landes Museum, Vienna, Austria;the Ministry of Culture, Paris, France; Art Modern Gallery, Moscow, Russia, to name a few.He presently lives and works in Maryland, USA.

EXHIBITIONS

2010 - International Art Salon, Moscow, Russia2009 - Museum of Contemporary Art, Baku, Azerbaijan2004 - International Visions Gallery, Washington DC, USA2002 - Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster, PA, USA2000 - Alia Rogers Gallery, Washington DC, USA

- Moscow International Art Salon, Moscow, Russia1999 - Art Manege Gallery, Moscow, Russia

- Personal Photo Exhibit, UN Mission of Turkey, New York, NY, USA- Personal Photo Exhibit, Indiana University Gallery, Bloomington, Indiana, USA- Personal Photo Exhibit, L.I.P.A. Gallery, Washington DC, USA- Humay Gallery, London, Great Britain

1998 - Contemporary Artists from Azerbaijan, The World Bank, Washington DC, USA

Fakhriyya Mammadovawww.feelingsarts.com

Artist-designer, photographer

1974 born in Baku, Azerbaijan1989 -1992 college, the ceramic faculty1998 - 2005 Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts2000 - member of association for creative initiatives "Wings of time" 2002 - member of Azerbaijan Artist's Union 2004 - member of Azerbaijan Photographers Union

EXHIBITIONS2010 - Solo-exhibition, Kichik QalArt Gallery, Baku, Azerbaijan

- USSR-remix project exhibition. Baku, Azerbaijan- Photofest 2010. Tbilisi. Georgia.- Exhibition of Azerbaijan woman photographers. Baku, Azerbaijan- Photography exhibition "The Seven". Baku, Azerbaijan

2009 - Aluminium4 Transformation, festival of contemporary art. Baku, Azerbaijan- BakUnlimited. Exhibition of contemporary art of Azerbaijan. Basel. Switserland.- Artisterium. International festival of contemporary Art. Tbilisi. Georgia.- Transkaukazja festival. Warsaw. Poland- Azerbaijan Culture Days in Georgia, Tbilisi- Maiden Tower International Forum of Contemporary Art, Azerbaijan, Baku- M'ARTIAN FIELDS - COLLABORATION, Exhibition ot young artists, Russia, Moscow

2008 - Urban Jealousy, the 1st International Roaming Biennial of Tehran- Steps of time, exhibition of contemporary arts in the frame Azerbaijan Culture Days in Germany, Dresden

2007 - Aluminium3 Realities of Dreams festival of contemporary art- Exhibition honored GUAM, Kiyev, Ukraina- Centre of Contemporary Arts МОМА, Moscow

2006 - Colors of autumn, exhibition of arts- "Caucasus", contemporary exhibition, Moscow- "East or West", festival of arts, France, Die- Women exhibition in "Gazelli Evi" Gallery- Sankt Petersburg, photo exhibition "Deciding instant'

Farid Rasulov

Born in 18.07.1985

Graduated in Medical University. Lives and works in Azerbaijan, Baku.

EXHIBITIONS

2010 - "USSR- Remix", Exhibition of Contemporary Art, Baku - "Contemporary Art of Azerbaijan”Aidan Gallery, Moscow, Russia2009 - "Cultunscapes"Azerbaijan cultural days in Switzerland. Basel.

- International Festival of Caucusus Cultures: TransCaucasus, Warsaw - Venice biennale 53, Azefbaijan pavilion, Italy,Venice - "Sodrujestvo" Mars gallery, Moscow

2008 - "Art is not only ugly", Germany, Berlin. - "Steps of time".Germany, Drezdsen.

- "Satelltie Talk"Event gallery, London2007 - "Aluminium" biennale, Azerbaijan

Hussein Hagverdiyev

Bom in 1956 Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1971-1975 A.Azimzade State College of Fine Arts,

Baku, Azerbaijan 1975-1980 V.Mukhina Institute of Arts,St.-Petersburg,

Russia

MEMBERSHIP1983 - Union of artists, Baku, Azerbaijan 1989 - Baku Art Sentre 2004 - received a title of Honored Artist of the

Republic of Azerbaijan.

EXHIBITIONS

2008 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku .Azerbaijan - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art

2007 - Venice Biennale, Pavilion of Azerbaijan Republic, Land Art Project,Venice, Italy.

2006 - International simpozium, "Virtual army", Hevsuretia, Georgia.2004 - "Baku-Paris. 20 artists", Orangeri de Senat, Paris, France. - Giz Galasi Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan. - International simpozium, Svanetia, Georgia.2003 - Biennale of Contemporary Art "Aluminium", Baku, Azerbaijan - International exhibition'ireland and people". Nargin Irleand.Caspian Sea2002 - "Orientalizm inside and outside" International Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan.2001 -"Land Art" project, Baku, Azerbaijan.2000 - Lipa Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Washington, USA1999 - V.Samedova Gallery, "Labyrinth" group Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan.1998 - World Bank Gallery, Exhibition of Azery Artists, Washington, USA.1997 - International simpozium, Lapideu, Germany.1995 - International sculpture symposium, India Hampikamutaka Lalin Kala Akademi.

Elnur Babayev

free-lance artist and photographer, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1962 and obtained his degree at the Azim-zadeh Fine Arts School there in 1981. He earned professional membership in the Union of Azerbaijani artists in 1988, which he holds today. Babayev worked as a photographer for intemational magazines. He has participated in and won a number of international and local photo competitions, including First Prize at the 1995 International UNICEF Photo competition, as well as World Press Photo and Mother Jones annual photo competitions. His paintings, graphic works and photographs have been exhibited at numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in the US and internationally. Some of Babayev's works have been included in public and private collections such as the Niederosterreich Landes Museum, Vienna, Austria;the Ministry of Culture, Paris, France; Art Modern Gallery, Moscow, Russia, to name a few.He presently lives and works in Maryland, USA.

EXHIBITIONS

2010 - International Art Salon, Moscow, Russia2009 - Museum of Contemporary Art, Baku, Azerbaijan2004 - International Visions Gallery, Washington DC, USA2002 - Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster, PA, USA2000 - Alia Rogers Gallery, Washington DC, USA

- Moscow International Art Salon, Moscow, Russia1999 - Art Manege Gallery, Moscow, Russia

- Personal Photo Exhibit, UN Mission of Turkey, New York, NY, USA- Personal Photo Exhibit, Indiana University Gallery, Bloomington, Indiana, USA- Personal Photo Exhibit, L.I.P.A. Gallery, Washington DC, USA- Humay Gallery, London, Great Britain

1998 - Contemporary Artists from Azerbaijan, The World Bank, Washington DC, USA

Fakhriyya Mammadovawww.feelingsarts.com

Artist-designer, photographer

1974 born in Baku, Azerbaijan1989 -1992 college, the ceramic faculty1998 - 2005 Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts2000 - member of association for creative initiatives "Wings of time" 2002 - member of Azerbaijan Artist's Union 2004 - member of Azerbaijan Photographers Union

EXHIBITIONS2010 - Solo-exhibition, Kichik QalArt Gallery, Baku, Azerbaijan

- USSR-remix project exhibition. Baku, Azerbaijan- Photofest 2010. Tbilisi. Georgia.- Exhibition of Azerbaijan woman photographers. Baku, Azerbaijan- Photography exhibition "The Seven". Baku, Azerbaijan

2009 - Aluminium4 Transformation, festival of contemporary art. Baku, Azerbaijan- BakUnlimited. Exhibition of contemporary art of Azerbaijan. Basel. Switserland.- Artisterium. International festival of contemporary Art. Tbilisi. Georgia.- Transkaukazja festival. Warsaw. Poland- Azerbaijan Culture Days in Georgia, Tbilisi- Maiden Tower International Forum of Contemporary Art, Azerbaijan, Baku- M'ARTIAN FIELDS - COLLABORATION, Exhibition ot young artists, Russia, Moscow

2008 - Urban Jealousy, the 1st International Roaming Biennial of Tehran- Steps of time, exhibition of contemporary arts in the frame Azerbaijan Culture Days in Germany, Dresden

2007 - Aluminium3 Realities of Dreams festival of contemporary art- Exhibition honored GUAM, Kiyev, Ukraina- Centre of Contemporary Arts МОМА, Moscow

2006 - Colors of autumn, exhibition of arts- "Caucasus", contemporary exhibition, Moscow- "East or West", festival of arts, France, Die- Women exhibition in "Gazelli Evi" Gallery- Sankt Petersburg, photo exhibition "Deciding instant'

Farid Rasulov

Born in 18.07.1985

Graduated in Medical University. Lives and works in Azerbaijan, Baku.

EXHIBITIONS

2010 - "USSR- Remix", Exhibition of Contemporary Art, Baku - "Contemporary Art of Azerbaijan”Aidan Gallery, Moscow, Russia2009 - "Cultunscapes"Azerbaijan cultural days in Switzerland. Basel.

- International Festival of Caucusus Cultures: TransCaucasus, Warsaw - Venice biennale 53, Azefbaijan pavilion, Italy,Venice - "Sodrujestvo" Mars gallery, Moscow

2008 - "Art is not only ugly", Germany, Berlin. - "Steps of time".Germany, Drezdsen.

- "Satelltie Talk"Event gallery, London2007 - "Aluminium" biennale, Azerbaijan

Hussein Hagverdiyev

Bom in 1956 Baku, Azerbaijan

EDUCATION1971-1975 A.Azimzade State College of Fine Arts,

Baku, Azerbaijan 1975-1980 V.Mukhina Institute of Arts,St.-Petersburg,

Russia

MEMBERSHIP1983 - Union of artists, Baku, Azerbaijan 1989 - Baku Art Sentre 2004 - received a title of Honored Artist of the

Republic of Azerbaijan.

EXHIBITIONS

2008 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art,Baku .Azerbaijan - "Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art

2007 - Venice Biennale, Pavilion of Azerbaijan Republic, Land Art Project,Venice, Italy.

2006 - International simpozium, "Virtual army", Hevsuretia, Georgia.2004 - "Baku-Paris. 20 artists", Orangeri de Senat, Paris, France. - Giz Galasi Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan. - International simpozium, Svanetia, Georgia.2003 - Biennale of Contemporary Art "Aluminium", Baku, Azerbaijan - International exhibition'ireland and people". Nargin Irleand.Caspian Sea2002 - "Orientalizm inside and outside" International Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan.2001 -"Land Art" project, Baku, Azerbaijan.2000 - Lipa Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Washington, USA1999 - V.Samedova Gallery, "Labyrinth" group Exhibition, Baku, Azerbaijan.1998 - World Bank Gallery, Exhibition of Azery Artists, Washington, USA.1997 - International simpozium, Lapideu, Germany.1995 - International sculpture symposium, India Hampikamutaka Lalin Kala Akademi.

GASIMOVwww.qasimov.com

Currently lives and works in Connecticut, USA. Majority of recent works are held by collectors in Moscow, Geneva, Antwerpen, Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Toronto

EDUCATION

1983-1990 University Of Art - Baku (former USSR)- MA in Sculpture 1979-1983 College Of Arts - Baku (former USSR) - BF In Sculpture 1976-1979 School Of Fine Art - Baku (former USSR)

SELECTED COMMISIONS AND EXHIBITIONS

2009 - Installation in Contemporary Art Center, Warsaw2008 - Completed a sculpture project commission for permanent installation in

Rockefeller Park Cleveland, OH. 1994 - Gallery Hittite - Toronto, Canada, Solo show1994 - Gallery Sobot Fine Art - Toronto Canada Group Show 1993 - Gallery Hittite - Toronto, Canada, Solo Show 1992 - Gallery Kamey - Toronto, Canada, Group Show 1991 - Ben Cionit Center-Jerusalem, Israel, Group Show1990 - International Tourist center - Baku (Former USSR) Commissioned to sculpt 15

mosaic compositions (Each 60"x 60") 1989 - National Museum - Baku (Former USSR)

Received and completed a sculpture commission (Sculpture: 30'x 18'x12') - Central Union Art Galley - Moscow (Former USSR) 1987 - Architect Union Gallery - Baku (Former USSR), Group Show1986 - National Republic Gallery - Baku (Former USSR), Group Show

Rena Effendiwww.refendi.com

Bom in 1977 in Baku, Azerbaijan.Rena Effendi has been photographing since 2001. From the outset, Effendi has focused her documentary work on the oil industry's effects on people's lives in her own country.As a result, she followed a 1,700 km oil pipeline through Georgia and Turkey, collecting stories along the way. This work of six years was published in 2009 in her first book "Pipe Dreams: A Chronicle of Lives along the Pipeline" by Schilt Publishing

AWARDS2009 - Winner, Magnum Photos Caucasus Award 2008 - Finalist OjodePez Human Values Award

- Winner, All Roads National Geographic photography award 2007 - Finalist, Magnum Photos Inge Morath award

- Photo District News (PDN) one of 30 emerging photographers to watch- Winner, Mario Giacomelli Memorial fund award

2006 - Winner, Getty Images Editorial Grant2005 - Participant, World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass, Amsterdam, Netherlands2004 - Winner, Fifty Crows International Fund for Documentary Photography, USA PERSONAL EXHIBITIONS2009 - Pipe Dreams, HOST gallery London, UK

- Pipe Dreams, Antrepo, Istanbul Biennial, Turkey - Pipe Dreams, Culturescapes festival, Bern, Switzerland

2008 - House of Happiness, Image Singulieres festival, Sete, France- House of Happiness, Vinzavod Center for Contemporary Art, Moscow, Russia

2006 - "Azerbaijan in search of identity" Visa Pour L'lmage festival, Perpignan, France- "Internally Displaced" Les Imagiques Photography Festival, Bordeaux, France

2005 - "Lost & Found" slideshow/lecture, UC Berkeley School of Journalism, USA GROUP EXHIBITIONS2007 - "Pipe Dreams* Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy2006 - "Caravanserai: Land of Fire" Archeology Museum, Stavanger, Norway 2005 - "Ordinary" Arti et Amicitiae, World Press Photo Joop Swart Masterclass,

Amsterdam, Netherlands- "Utopia: Documentary Photography in the Caucasus" IFA Gallery, Berlin,Germany

Rauf Khalilov

Bom 1981 in Baku

1987-1998 Art Gymnasium 1998-2002 Azerbaijan State Art Academy (Graphics Department)

FESTIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS

2008 - "NYIIFVF New York International Independent Film And Video Festival United States

2007 - "La Biennale Di Venezia" Italy2005 - International Short Film Festival "Detmold" Germany2004 - International Short Film Festival "Oberhausen" Germany2003 - "Appendix" International Art Exhibition, Tbilisi, Georgia -"Aluminium" Art+New Technoligies Festival of Contemporary Art2002 - Orientalism: Inside & Outside International Exhibition2001 - UNOCAL Ecology Poster Exhibition Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan Artists Union "Young Artists Exhibition"2000 - Azerbaijan State Art Academy, Baku -Wings of Time, Azerbaijan

Sabina Shikhlinskayahttp://sabina-art.blogspot.com/www.universes-in-uriiverse.org www.humakabakcikoleksiyonu.com

Artist, curator. Lives and works in Baku, Azerbaijan EDUCATION1977-1981 AAzimzade State College of Fine Arts, Baku, Azerbaijan1981-1983 V.Mukhina Institute of Arts, St. Petersburg, Russia 1983-1988 Azerbaijan State University of Arts MEMBERSHIPsince 1988 - Union of the Azerbaijan Artists since 2006 Title of "Honored Artists" of the Republic of Azerbaijan since 2009 - ClMAM

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS2010 - Land Art Biennial Mongolia, National Art Gallery, Ulaanbaatar2009 - Transkaukaziya Festival, Center for Contemporary Art, Warsaw, Poland2008 -"Artisterium International Forum of Contemporary Art, Tbilisi, Georgia

- 3d Inrenational Festival of Contemporary Art, Cappadokia, Turkey-"Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art,- International Festival "Sarajevo Winter", Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina

2007 - 52* Venice Biennale, Pavilion of Azerbaijan Republic, Venice, Italy2006 - "Hamam", Center of Contemporary Art Tou Scene', Stavanger, Norway

- International Painting Biennale of the Islamic World. Tehran, Iran 2004 -"Baku-Paris. 20 artists", Oran Geri de Senat, Paris, France

-"Artists from Azerbaijan \ IMF Gallery, Washington DC, USA SELECTED CURATED EXHIBITIONS2010 -"Openly" International Exh, Antrepo, Sanat limani, in frames of “Istanbul 2010 - Cultural Capital of Europe”, Turkey2009 - International Forum of Contemporary Art - "Maiden Tower', Exh. "To be a Woman" Center for Contemporary Art, Baku Azerbaijan2008 - International project "USSR-remix", Center for Contemporary Art, Baku,Azerbaijan -"Steps of Time" Exhibition of Azerbaijan Art, Dresden Museum of Art2007 - Venice Biennale, Pavilion of Azerbaijan Republic, Venice, Italy

- International Biennale of Contemporary Art "Aluminum", Shirvanshakh's Palace, Baku, Azerbaijan

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